This book presents 41 selected articles written by leading researchers from the Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, part of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The articles are grouped by the following topics: (1) Geochemistry, (2) Meteoritics, Cosmochemistry, Lunar and Planetary Sciences, (3) Biogeochemistry and Ecology, and (4) Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry, and Radioecology. The articles present recent experimental data, theoretical investigations, critical reviews, the results of computer modeling in the above-mentioned fields. Intended to provide a scientific “snapshot” of the institute, the book also includes content on its history, main scientific achievements and current goals, together with detailed descriptions of its 25 laboratories and three museums so as to promote new international collaborations. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to all scientists and graduate students working in the areas of geochemistry, analytical chemistry and radiochemistry, earth and environmental sciences, biogeosciences, meteoritics and planetary science, and to those seeking new collaboration opportunities in these areas in Russia.

Developments in Geochemistry, Volume 2: Rare Earth Element Geochemistry presents the remarkable developments in the chemistry and geochemistry of the rare earth elements. This book discusses the analytical techniques and the recognition that rare earth fractionation occurs naturally in different ways. Organized into 13 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the wide array of types and sizes of the cation coordination polyhedral in rock-forming minerals. This text then examines the application of rare earth element abundances to petrogenetic problems that has centered on the evolution of igneous rocks. Other chapters consider the matching of observed rare earth element abundances with those provided by the theoretical modeling of petrogenetic processes. This book discusses as well the hypotheses on the genesis of a rock or mineral suite. The final chapter deals with the principal analytical methods. This book is a valuable resource for undergraduates, lecturers, and researchers who study petrology and geochemistry.

Analytical methods used in the Geologic Division laboratories of the U.S. Geological Survey for the inorganic chemical analysis of rock and mineral samples.

Environmental Nanotoxicology: Combatting the Minute Contaminants is a comprehensive guide to the rapidly evolving field of nanotoxicology and its implications for environmental health and safety. This book results from the collaborative efforts of leading experts and researchers from diverse disciplines, aiming to thoroughly understand the interactions between nanomaterials and the environment and their potential impacts on the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Nanotechnology has witnessed remarkable innovations leading to the development of nanomaterials with novel properties and applications across various industries. Alongside these innovations, concerns have arisen about the potential risks that nanomaterials may pose to the environment and living organisms. This book addresses these concerns by comprehensively exploring the field's key concepts, principles, and methodologies. It includes case studies and offers insights into developing appropriate regulatory frameworks and guidelines for the responsible use and disposal of nanomaterials. The book is a valuable resource for researchers and professionals working in nanotoxicology on the complex challenges posed by the intersection of nanomaterials and the environment. It is also an essential reference for students studying environmental science, toxicology, and nanotechnology. Addresses risk assessment and management in nanotoxicology; Explores the life cycle assessment of nanoparticles; Sheds light on emerging technologies and future directions in environmental nanotoxicology. .

"This book presents quantitative treatments of a wide range of fundamental problems related to geochemistry and geology. It shows that trace elements, isotopes, and equations are integrative tools in modern geochemistry for studying various Earth processes." -- Back cover.

The pace of revolution in analytical chemistry in the field of Geosciences has been dramatic over recent decades and includes fundamental developments that have become common place in many related and unrelated disciplines. The analytical tools (nano to macro-scale from stable to radioactive isotopes, compound specific sulfur isotopes) used have been applied to wide-ranging applications from inorganic to organic geochemistry, biodiversity and chronological tools, to build an understanding of how the Earth system evolved to its present state. This book will provide an essential guide to exploring the earth’s natural resources and changing climate by detection science. Individual chapters bring together expertise from across the globe to present a comprehensive outlook on the analytical technologies available to the geoscientist today. Experienced researchers will appreciate the broad treatment of the subject as a valuable reference, while students and those new to the field will quickly gain an appreciation of both the techniques at hand, and the importance of constructing, and analysing, the complex data sets they can generate.

This work summarizes the historical progression of the field of lithium (Li) isotope studies and provides a comprehensive yet succinct overview of the research applications toward which they have been directed. In synthesizing the historical and current research, the volume also suggests prospective future directions of study. Not even a full decade has passed since the publication of a broadly inclusive summary of Li isotope research around the globe (Tomascak, 2004). In this short time, the use of this isotope system in the investigation of geo- and cosmochemical questions has increased dramatically, due, in part, to the advent of new analytical technology at the end of the last millennium. Lithium, as a light element that forms low-charge, moderate-sized ions, manifests a number of chemical properties that make its stable isotope system useful in a wide array of geo- and cosmochemical research fields.

The properties of matter at extreme length scales can differ markedly from those at length scales accessible to human observation. Nanogeoscience is described here: analytical techniques ranging from atomic force microscopy, nanoscale SIMS, TEM and EELS, to recent developments in nano-scale resolution in synchrotron radiation.